'It's important that migrants get a voice' Laois election hopeful Bolaji Adeyanju

Bolaji Adeyanju is an independent first time candidate in the 2024 local elections, hoping to represent the Portlaoise Municipal District.

He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live from the count centre in Kea Lew business park, Portlaoise, on Saturday evening, June 8 ahead of the actual counts getting underway.

"I'm very excited. I feel privileged, it's great to want to represent the people. It's important that migrants get a voice. It's a very exciting time for our community. People who have been here for a long time have earned the right to be here.

"Laois needs to reflect the people that live in it and that's why it's so important that a person representing migrants is in Laois County Council," Mr Adeyanju said.

The initial tally counts had placed his vote at 3%, meaning a big climb would be needed to win a seat in the hotly contested Portlaoise district, where 20 candidates are vying for seven seats, and many sitting councillors are polling strongly.

"I have to be hopeful. Without hope what am I doing here?  Whoever gets in would deserve to be there. We all care about the community we live in," he said. 

A first time runner, he described what it was like to go door to door seeking votes.

"It was the most intriguing moment. People were really respectful of the change that I'm clamouring for. People also spoke to me about their own worries, and trusted me. Laois people are amazing and the people are very accepting.

He is a founding member of the Laois African Support Group and the Laois Integration Network.

While Bolaji and his wife and children live in Mountmellick, he had opted to run in the Portlaoise Municipal District.  

"I don't think that hurt my vote. Over the years most of my work has centred around Portlaoise. But we do need to look at how we can get enough communities to feel empowered to have their own facilties," he said.

"For the people who came out to vote I say thank you. Those who didn't, at least you know about me now. Going forward you will hear from me because that's what I stand for, the community," he said.

Follow all the Laois Local Election updates all weekend on our Live Blog.